Patent Application
20250065929
The “Manway Cleaning Guard” (also referred to as “MCG”) was designed to keep cleaning personnel safe from chemical and hot water spray during the tank cleaning process. It was designed for wineries, but can be used for any vessel that does not have a permanently mounted cleaning system. It covers the open manway of a tank to keep water & chemicals from spraying out during the cleaning process while still allowing the tank to drain when required.
To use the MCG, place it against the manway opening after the tank cleaner has been inserted into the tank. Pull and tighten each securing arm with the quick release clamps to hold the MCG in place. When cleaning process is finished, release the clamps, remove and set the MCG aside.
Page 1 of drawing shows the overview of the assembled MCG.
Page 2 shows the acrylic body comprised of several pieces cemented together.
Page 3 shows the assembled quick release clamp.
Page 4 shows an exploded view of the quick release clamp.
The assembly is constructed of various components which are bolted onto the main body with machine screws. The main body is made of clear acrylic which is cut out to match the size of a specified tank manway and cemented together with an solid spray deflector into one piece. (A common round style shown in the drawing, but different tanks often have different manway shapes and sizes.) Various features are cut/machined for attaching the handle, arms, clamps, and EPDM rubber spray deflector. A rubber gasket is glued around the perimeter.
The MCG utilizes quick release clamps to attach to the tank. The clamps use a cam action to clamp around the securing arms, but allow free rotation and movement when loose. These are made from Nylon plastic, but can be any chemical resistant plastic.
The arms are made from stainless steel for strength and corrosion resistance. All hardware and non plastic parts are also stainless steel.
The rubber deflector and acrylic deflector work together to be able to place the MCG over a hose going into the tank, keeping spray inside the tank while allowing flow to drain out of the tank.
